Thomas Manton: “New York City Police Officer Anthony R. Ottoman, captain of the 100th Precinct in Queens, recently wrote an article for…”

“New York City Police Officer Anthony R. Ottoman, captain of the 100th Precinct in Queens, recently wrote an article for New York Newsday about his upcoming visit to the National Law Enforcement Officers' Memorial in Washington. In his moving and reflective article about police officers who have been killed in the line of duty, Captain Ottoman says, ``There is no adequate compensation for their sacrifice * * *. The living can do no less than pay them homage and ensure that their memories are etched forever * * * in our hearts.'' As we continue to consider legislation to amend last year's crime bill, we can pay homage to those fallen heroes by heeding the calls of their families and their brave colleagues who remain on the front line in the war on crime. Mr. Speaker, our law enforcement officers support tough and enforceable penalties for convicted criminals, they strongly support funding to put 100,000 more cops on the street, and they overwhelmingly favor a ban on the sale and production of semiautomatic assault weapons. Mr. Speaker, as a former New York City Police Officer, when I vote on crime legislation, I will be guided by the wisdom, experience and knowledge of these police officers.”